Crash reenactment to remind HS students of driving dangers
The Winchester and Scott County Police, Fire and EMS will recreate an automobile crash experience for Winchester and Bluffs high school students at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, at Winchester High School, 200 West Cross St. ThinkFirst, SIU School of Medicine’s injury prevention program, will assist in planning and presenting the event. The reenactment will focus on what can happen when young people drive or ride with distracted or impaired drivers.
In the event, emergency personnel normally summoned after a car crash will simulate their tasks, followed by guest speakers. Those involved in planning and implementing the event include Winchester Fire Department and EMS, Winchester Police Department, Scott County Coroner, Illinois State Police, Marshall Chevrolet in Winchester, Winchester and Bluffs High School faculty, administration and students, Audio Techni Services in Springfield, Air Evac in Jacksonville, SIU School of Medicine ThinkFirst program and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Guest speakers will include Danny Hicks-ThinkFirst victim speaker, Illinois State Police officer Tanner Faye-District 20, and Sheriff Tom Eddinger-Scott County Coroner.
“The purpose of the crash reenactment program is to show the real-life consequences of risk-taking behaviors,” says Megan Eairheart, director of ThinkFirst. “It illustrates what can follow from a single bad decision. We want students to be informed and make intelligent decisions, particularly behind the wheel of a car.” Each year 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries and 12,000 to 20,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States; one-third happen to people between the ages of 15 and 24. “The tragedy is most of these injuries are preventable,” explains Eairheart.
The SIU School of Medicine ThinkFirst program is a chapter of the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation and presents events as a public service at no cost to the school. It is funded by a grant provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Those interested in the program are invited to contact Megan Eairheart at SIU School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19604, Springfield, IL 62794-9604, 217-545-9112.
